About a year ago I bought a Volvo EX30. It’s my first fully electric car and, since then, it has been my everyday runabout whenever my wife lets me. Yes, whenever my wife lets me. It’s funny how the person who was most hesitant about switching to an EV is now the biggest supporter of the idea - I could write a whole column about that, but moving on.
After a year and more than 15,000 km - mostly urban driving - I now have a very clear sense of what I enjoy and what I would change about my little Swedish SUV. I explain everything in this video, the second one in this series with my Volvo EX30:
The right size for the city - and the Volvo EX30
Now that we’ve welcomed a second child at home - how much life can change in just a year… - it’s become obvious that bigger trips (and more stuff) really do call for a larger car.
Even so, for day-to-day city use, the Volvo EX30 remains our number-one choice at home. And as I mentioned in the video, it’s surprisingly good out on the open road. It’s the most powerful car I’ve owned: 272 hp with acceleration that feels like a small hot hatch. More importantly, though, it’s comfortable. The steering is nicely judged, the suspension does a good job of smoothing things out, and it feels secure - even entertaining through certain bends.
I went for the Extended Range version. In everyday use, it gives me 420 km of range; on the motorway, around 330 km. And that’s without making life difficult - air conditioning always on, cruise control set at 120 km/h. The seats could offer a bit more support, but overall comfort is good.
Software now works perfectly
At the start, the software was the frustrating part: connection glitches, no Apple CarPlay, and an unreliable key fob. All of that has since been sorted via over-the-air updates. That’s great - but it also leaves you thinking the EX30 should have arrived from the factory in that state, especially when you’re talking about a car that, including VAT, came to more than €45,000.
These days it’s all settled. I barely use a key at all - it’s just my phone and my watch. The app works properly too: it lets you schedule charging, check battery status, or pre-condition the cabin before setting off. Even the voice assistant has improved - it responds to genuinely useful requests and, if you keep pushing, it’ll even tell a few jokes. Dry ones, but they still count.
Volvo-style safety is front and centre
It’s a Volvo, and you can feel that in the safety. I was lucky enough to watch a crash test (which I’ll share soon) before buying the EX30, and I’ll admit it… it stayed with me. The constant warning chimes also make an impression - I switch them off every time I get in. Thank goodness for the steering-wheel shortcut button that makes that job quicker.
I should admit I have a love–hate relationship with many of these systems that are now mandatory on all new cars. I see their value on the motorway, but in town - aside from automatic emergency braking and blind-spot alerts - they can be a bit too intrusive at times.
Owning an electric car pays off
When it comes to running costs, there’s simply no comparison. I spend about €700 a year between charging on the road and at home - with my previous car, it was more than €2,200. My cost per 100 km dropped from €11 to €2.30. And if you buy through a company, there are additional advantages too: VAT fully reclaimable, exemption from annual road tax, and so on.
Would I buy it again? At home we’re all on the same page. In 99% of situations, it’s easier than living with an internal combustion car. But it won’t suit everyone. On holiday, for example, I took another car - managing battery planning and children at the same time is still a challenge. But that isn’t really the EX30’s “natural” territory… that’s what the EX40, EX90 and, soon, the EX60 are for.
With that said, in daily use the EX30 does everything I need - and it does it well. For the next episode, maybe a longer trip? Suggestions are welcome.
Can’t remember the first episode in this series? You can watch it (or rewatch it) here:
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